Can sickness absence be reduced by stress reduction programs: On the effectiveness of two approaches
article
Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two brief preventive stress reduction programs - a cognitive focused program and a combined intervention of physical exercise and relaxation - on sickness absence in stressed and non-stressed employees working in various jobs in a telecom company. Methods: The study was designed as an a priori randomized trial and the follow-up period for sickness absence was 1 year. Sickness absence data of 242 employees were analyzed with respect to spells of sickness (frequency, incidence rate), days (length, duration) and time between intervention and first subsequent absent spell. Results: For stressed employees this study suggests that the illness burden represented by absenteeism is not affected by the interventions. There is no substantial difference in effectiveness between the cognitive and physical interventions. However, in comparison with the physical intervention the cognitive intervention decreases the period between the intervention and the first recurrence of a sick leave period with 144 days (marginal significant). Conclusion: The illness burden represented by absenteeism is effected in detail but not substantially by the interventions. © Springer-Verlag 2006.
Topics
ArbeidsparticipatieLichaamshoudingLichaamsbewegingZiekteverzuimSociaal verzuimStressGeestelijke overbelastingPreventieRustSlaapAlternatieve geneeskundeArbobeleid bedrijvenCognitive interventionOccupational healthPhysical interventionSickness absenceAbsenteeismAdultClinical effectivenessClinical trialCognitive therapyControlled clinical trialControlled studyDisease durationEmployeeExerciseFemaleFollow upHealth programHumanIncidenceIntermethod comparisonJob stressMajor clinical studyMaleMedical leaveOccupational diseaseOccupational hazardPhysical activityRandomized controlled trialRecurrent diseaseRelaxation trainingRisk reductionTelecommunicationiddle AgedNetherlandsOccupational HealthProgram EvaluationSick LeaveStress, Psychological
TNO Identifier
239968
ISSN
03400131
Source
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 80(6), pp. 505-515.
Pages
505-515
Files
To receive the publication files, please send an e-mail request to TNO Repository.